Building Community Support for New York's LGBT/Q Youth in Foster/Adoptive Care

"I was placed in a system and diagnosed as different--sick--simply because I was confused about my sexuality." (Source: Child Welfare League of America)

"My boyfriend's father would give him up for adoption if he knew he was gay."(Source: New York Times)

Too often, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (LGBT/Q) youth in foster/adoptive care experience rejection, from their families, from their peers, from society. The results are among the highest rates of social problems, most alarmingly, teen suicide.

Our non-profit organization, A Thousand Moms, believes it's time to celebrate and support the lives of New York State's youth in foster care who may be LGBT/Q. A project of the National Association of Former Foster Children, A Thousand Moms, with the help of private citizens from all walks of life in New York's communities--our "Moms"-- believes it's time to greatly reduce government costs for LGBT/Q youth in foster care by minimizing the use of group homes and maximizing placement with foster/adoptive families. We want to ensure that these youth begin productive, positive lives.

Our staff of skilled professionals is organizing a unique network of members--everyday citizens--including homemakers, educators, businessmen, as well as civic and religious leaders, and many others. A Thousand Moms' goals include:

training foster/adoptive/birth families at county and private agencies

raising awareness of the needs of LGBT/Q youth in communities through meetings with local civic, business, and religious organizations and leaders

ensuring that LGBT/Q youth in foster/adoptive care receive the emotional, physical, and social support they need.

recruiting foster/adoptive parents in local communities

Dedicated to the nurturing/parenting/support skills of mothers, A Thousand Moms seeks the support of dads, sons, sisters, extended families, friends--all interested parties.